* * * *
Ricky absorbed her petite frame and long black hair. The woman stood out like a goddess. Her skin was tan and her body had curves in all the right places. His brothers noticed, too. Sniper was in a dead stare at her right now. So his brother met Amelia at the airport? Coincidence? Or was it more?
“Maybe you shouldn’t have been accepting all those dances with men you don’t know,” Sniper stated, and Ricky looked toward a shocked Amelia. Regan placed her hands on her hips.
“This wasn’t Amelia’s fault, Sniper. Tucker is an asshole and you know it.”
Sniper looked at Regan and gave her the once-over.
“Should be more careful accepting invitations and letting men you don’t know feel you up on the dance floor.” Sniper took a slug of beer. Amelia and Regan were shocked. Ricky stood by Sniper and looked at Amelia.
“Or how about refusing help from strangers in airports?” she replied sarcastically.
“He’s right. You should watch who you flirt with.”
“What? Are you kidding me?” Amelia began to say when Regan stopped her.
“Forget it, Amelia. My brothers are idiots sometimes, too. Just ignore them.” Regan grabbed Amelia’s arm and they walked away but not before sexy, little Amelia gave Ricky and Sniper a dirty look.
“She. Is. Gorgeous,” Ricky whispered, taking a seat next to his brother before swallowing a slug of beer.
“Mad Dog okay?” Sniper asked, never taking his eyes off of Amelia. She and Regan met up with other friends and started talking.
“What do you think?”
“I think it’s time to call it a night.”
Ricky watched as their friend Captain and a few guys approached Amelia and Regan. Their sister started laughing and Amelia shyly looked away. Ricky wondered what kind of woman she really was. Considering that she was Regan’s best friend in college, Regan didn’t share too much about Amelia or her family. Ricky didn’t even know if she had a family. Then he wondered why he even cared. It wasn’t like he was interested in getting to know her better. Ricky looked up to where Amelia stood talking. The longer he watched, the more he realized that she interested him.
He gave Sniper a nudge in the arm when he noticed Sniper watching Amelia, too.
“She’s a good-looking woman. Hard to not watch her.”
“She’s got an attitude that can get her in trouble. She was lucky Mad Dog was there to help her.”
“I think we should keep an eye on her whenever we can. She’s Regan’s friend and she’s new around here.”
Sniper turned toward Ricky and Ricky kept a straight face. He basically was saying that he was interested in getting to know Amelia better and hoping that Sniper was, too.
“Good luck with that.” Sniper placed his empty beer bottle down on the bar then walked away. Ricky watched him as he shook hands with his brothers and some of their friends. That was Sniper. Always keeping his distance, his emotions and feelings hidden. But, he didn’t hide his interest in Amelia from Ricky. Ricky never saw his brothers react to any woman, never mind to the same woman.
Looking back to where Amelia stood, he caught her watching Sniper, and then her eyes landed on Ricky’s. Ricky winked but kept his expression firm. If there was a chance that he could get close to Amelia, she would learn fast that he was a boss and expected to be in control. He wouldn’t be manipulated with jealousy and games. It was why he remained single even now. He hadn’t met a sincere woman yet that he was attracted to. But as he watched her and absorbed her sexy, curvy body and sweet smile, he wondered if she were just playing games. He was too old for games.
Chapter 4
“God, Regan, it’s so beautiful here. It’s amazing,” Amelia said as they sat on a swinging bench that looked out over the swimming hole. She could hear the birds singing and felt the gentle caress of the breeze against her shoulders. The bright June sun warmed her skin.
“How do you stay living in the city and not remain out here all the time?”
“And commute? Are you insane? I like being on my own and having my privacy.”
Amelia looked at Regan. Her best friend was beautiful. She had golden blonde
hair that cascaded over her shoulders, big bright blue eyes, and a dimple in her left cheek. She was very attractive and fun, carefree, but also typical country girl. Aside from her desire to act like she was worldly and ready for action, Regan was a kind soul, and cautious.
Amelia gave her a little bump with her shoulder. “I guess it’s tough having brothers around to know your every move.”
“Oh God, you have no idea.”